By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Lionel Messi described Argentina’s dramatic comeback victory over England as “special” after inspiring the reigning champions to a 2-1 win that secured their place in the FIFA World Cup final, Prompt News Online reports.
England looked on course for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but the 39-year-old Messi turned the game around with two decisive contributions.
He first set up Enzo Fernández to fire home the equaliser in the 85th minute before delivering a pinpoint cross for Lautaro Martínez, who headed in the winner in Atlanta.
Messi described the semi-final victory as “quite special,” particularly given Argentina’s long and complex history with England.
The clash in Atlanta took place amid renewed diplomatic tensions between the two countries over sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic.
Argentina invaded in 1982 but Britain regained control after a brief war.
Messi also paid tribute to his Argentina teammates and their never-say-die attitude.
It was the latest demonstration of their grit at the 2026 tournament.
In the last-16 match against Egypt they recovered from being 2-0 down to win 3-2.
“What the group has been doing is incredible, and this, of course, is again something that shows our character, our grit, our collective, the way that we play together. It was really, truly amazing,” Messi said after the game.
The forward said he was eagerly anticipating Sunday’s final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The encounter will carry added significance for Messi, who spent the majority of his club career in Spain with Barcelona.
He described Spain, who secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France, as “a fantastic team” filled with “wonderful players.”
“They play very, very well. I know them quite well. Their whole idea and philosophy has been very well (developed) throughout this time, and I know the players as well,” added Messi.
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